.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Thanks Nathalie for these great pictures!

ROSARIO, Bever, Belgium
August 2-8, 2010

Up Close & Personal with Raphaella Smits
International Masterclass guitar & chamber music


On Monday, August 2, twelve participants from 4 different countries arrived in the afternoon at the Rosario center in Bever (Belgium). To start they got to know their roommates and made themselves at home.

At 6 p.m. Raphaella Smits gave the go-ahead with the opening concert, a fine guitar recital with music by Sor, Barrios and Bach. After the concert, when the audience went home, at the dinner table, soon a great team spirit developed among our group.


From Tuesday 3 to Saturday, August 7 the days were pretty full: everybody would meet good-humoured at the breakfast table at 8 a.m.. After a warming-up Raphaella's master classes started each day at 10 a.m. with four 45'-sessions.

After a healthy lunch people could study individually until our afternoon tea at 4 p.m. that nobody wanted to miss because of the fresh pastry.
From 5 till 7 p.m. another four sessions of 30( went on. Every day at 7 p.m. we had in the chapel the stressful performing sessions where any participant could practice in overcoming stage fright in front of the whole group.

After dinner time the party usually broke down into smaller groups for relaxing activities. Until late the laughter was loud and clear ...
On Saturday night we organized a nice farewell party. Our two cooks, sorry: our master-chefs Mira and Patrizio, who had spoiled us during the whole week, had done that night even further.

Then, each participant was rewarded with a beautiful certificate and also a number of gifts from our sponsor the D'Addario Music Foundation. The gratitude and the enthusiasm were high!


Sunday, August 8, at 11:00 a.m., eight of the twelve participants performed at the final concert. Before a warm-hearted public of family, friends and general music lovers they all showed convincingly that they had good use of Raphaella's classes during this gorgeous study week.

After the concert players and listeners enjoyed a fine reception. By 3 p.m. we all went our way back home, our heads full of the finest memories. Many of the participants expressed their hope to be there again next year.

On behalf of all, I wish to thank the D'Addario Music Foundation for their support.